A Large-Scale Genome-wide Association Study of Blood Pressure Accounting for Gene-Depressive Symptomatology Interactions in 564,680 Individuals from Diverse Populations

TL;DR

This study finds new genetic links between blood pressure and depressive symptoms in a large, diverse population, highlighting potential drug targets and pathways connecting mood and hypertension.

Contribution

The study identifies novel gene-depressive symptom interaction loci for blood pressure in diverse populations and highlights druggable targets.

Findings

Seven novel gene-DEPR interaction loci for blood pressure were discovered, including genes involved in neurogenesis and lipid metabolism.

Nine known BP loci showed evidence of gene-DEPR interactions, linking mood disturbance to BP regulation.

Eleven of the 16 identified loci came from non-European populations, emphasizing the importance of diversity in genetic studies.

Abstract

Gene-environment interactions may enhance our understanding of hypertension. Our previous study highlighted the importance of considering psychosocial factors in gene discovery for blood pressure (BP) but was limited in statistical power and population diversity. To address these challenges, we conducted a multi-population genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BP accounting for gene-depressive symptomatology (DEPR) interactions in a larger and more diverse sample.

Our study included 564,680 adults aged 18 years or older from 67 cohorts and 4 population backgrounds (African (5%), Asian (7%), European (85%), and Hispanic (3%)). We discovered seven novel gene-DEPR interaction loci for BP traits. These loci mapped to genes implicated in neurogenesis (TGFA, CASP3), lipid metabolism (ACSL1), neuronal apoptosis (CASP3), and synaptic activity (CNTN6, DBI). We also identified evidence for gene-DEPR interaction at nine known BP loci, further suggesting links between mood disturbance and BP regulation. Of the 16 identified loci, 11 loci were derived from African, Asian, or Hispanic populations. Post-GWAS analyses prioritized 36 genes, including genes involved in synaptic functions (DOCK4, MAGI2) and neuronal signaling (CCK, UGDH, SLC01A2). Integrative druggability analyses identified 11 druggable candidate gene targets, including genes implicated in pathways linked to mood disorders as well as gene products targeted by known antihypertensive drugs.

Our findings emphasize the importance of considering gene-DEPR interactions on BP, particularly in non-European populations. Our prioritized genes and druggable targets highlight biological pathways connecting mood disorders and hypertension and suggest opportunities for BP drug repurposing and risk factor prevention, especially in individuals with DEPR.

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